Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia Treatment in Asheville, NC

Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, is an incredibly common condition affecting men. However, just because 30-60% of men may experience gynecomastia during their lives does not mean it is easy for a man to deal with having enlarged breasts.

If you would like a flatter, firmer and more masculine chest, male breast reduction surgery can improve your chest shape and help you regain confidence in your appearance. A relatively simple procedure with a high satisfaction rate, male breast reduction is an effective gynecomastia treatment that can offer instant results and virtually undetectable scars. Over 30,000 men underwent male breast reduction surgery in 2015, making it one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for men in the United States.Patient Gallery»See Male Breast Reduction results

What causes gynecomastia?

This is a good question that is not always easy to answer. While hormonal changes can be a factor, gynecomastia experienced during infancy or adolescence typically resolves as a boy completes these growth stages. Certain illnesses or drug use, such as anabolic steroid use, can sometimes cause male breasts to enlarge. For obese patients, losing weight can alleviate gynecomastia symptoms, but in many cases excess fat and skin remains even after reaching a healthy body weight.

More often than not, there is no known cause for gynecomastia. While not usually dangerous, the condition can have negative effects on a man’s self-image.

Why have a male breast reduction?

If you suffer from gynecomastia, you know how frustrating it can be to have puffy, feminine breasts as a man, especially if you work hard to take care of your body through a healthy diet and exercise. If you are nervous about removing your shirt in public, or you avoid social situations because you are embarrassed by your chest, a male breast reduction can give you a more naturally masculine chest shape, allowing you to enjoy relationships and activities with greater confidence.

Am I a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery?

You are bothered by the appearance of your chest, due to enlarged breasts or puffy nipples. A male breast reduction will remove excess tissue for a flatter, firmer chest appearance, but will not enhance pectoral tone.

You are at a healthy, stable body weight. Fluctuations in weight can affect the results, so it is important to be at a weight you are happy with before undergoing gynecomastia treatment.

Your gynecomastia is not caused by a known substance or condition. Before having male breast reduction, confirm with your physician that your gynecomastia is not linked to an underlying health problem or drug use.

The appearance of your chest has prevented you from fully participating in activities you enjoy. There is no need to let “man boobs” keep you from enjoying life to the fullest, and a male breast reduction can help.

Why choose Dr. Conway for gynecomastia treatment?

As a board certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience, Dr. Conway has performed 1000s of cosmetic procedures. His prior training as a medical illustrator developed his sense of symmetry, proportion, and natural contours of the human body. This unique combination of training and experience gives Dr. Conway a keen ability to make subtle adjustments in chest contour that help enhance a man’s overall physique. Dr. Conway listens to each patient’s goals and incorporates those goals into each treatment plan.

Procedure options for male breast reduction

Dr. Conway individualizes his approach to male breast reduction surgery based on the nature and amount of tissue removal needed to restore a more normal chest appearance. His goal is to create the most natural contour possible using the least invasive procedure option that will achieve the desired results. Male breast reduction can be performed using local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of surgery. For your safety, Dr. Conway operates in an accredited, private surgery suite.

Liposuction only

When appropriate, Dr. Conway will use liposuction for male breast reduction. This is the least invasive option that leaves only 1 or 2 tiny scars on each side of the chest, usually located near the armpit or another hard-to-notice location in the natural contours of the chest. The best candidates for a liposuction-only male breast reduction are men whose enlarged breasts are mainly composed of fatty tissue and who have good skin contraction. Liposuction allows Dr. Conway to selectively remove fat with a tiny cannula, sculpting a better shape throughout the chest area.

Liposuction with tissue excision

If both fat and glandular tissue need to be removed, Dr. Conway may combine liposuction with surgical tissue excision. Incisions for this procedure vary depending on the extent of tissue removal needed as well as a patient’s anatomy, but Dr. Conway takes care to place incisions in inconspicuous locations whenever possible. A common incision site is around the outer edge of the areola.

Severe gynecomastia may require an additional incision, either along the fold underneath the natural breast area, or extending from the bottom of the areola to the bottom of the breast fold, as well as skin removal. Dr. Conway will help you understand the most appropriate option for you during your consultation.

Recovering from male breast reduction

Most patients experience little pain and require only a short amount of downtime after male breast reduction with Dr. Conway. Depending on the extent of the procedure, many patients return to a desk job within 3 to 5 days after surgery and find they do not need medication other than Tylenol to keep them comfortable.

You will be required to wear a compression garment for a week or two following surgery, which you can remove to shower. Light activity can be resumed in about a week, and more strenuous exercise can typically be resumed after 2 to 3 weeks.

While you may notice some swelling in the chest during the first few weeks, this should subside gradually, and you will notice a much-improved appearance to your chest within the first month.